Munnar: The Kashmir of South India – Romantic Escape to Kerala’s Misty Hills

Munnar is a dream come true for nature lovers and couples seeking serenity. Perched at an altitude of 5,200 feet, this hill station is blessed with rolling tea gardens, mist-covered valleys, sparkling waterfalls, and an atmosphere that’s both calming and invigorating.

Often hailed as the “Kashmir of South India,” Munnar offers a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. The cool climate, unspoiled greenery, and scent of fresh cardamom in the air create an experience that lingers in your soul. Whether you're here for a romantic honeymoon, an adventurous trekking expedition, or just a quiet break sipping freshly brewed local tea, Munnar embraces you with warmth and wonder.

Thanks to good connectivity from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, getting to Munnar is easy—yet it feels worlds away. From the Eravikulam National Park to Attukal Waterfalls and the KDHP Tea Museum, every corner of Munnar tells a story of nature, culture, and tranquility.

Why Munnar Will Steal Your Heart

• Tea Estates: Munnar’s identity is steeped in tea. The lush plantations are best explored on foot, camera in hand.
• Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, this park also features Anamudi, South India’s highest peak.
• Waterfalls and Dams: Attukal Waterfalls and Mattupetty Dam offer scenic picnics, boat rides, and relaxing photo ops.
• Tea Museum: Dive into the tea-making legacy at KDHP Estate, and enjoy tasting sessions too!
• Local Markets: Stock up on homemade chocolates, cardamom, and honey, and sip chai at a hilltop stall as the mist rolls in.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

• October to March: Cool and ideal for trekking (10°C–25°C)
• April to June: Sunny, bright, great for sightseeing
• July to September: Monsoon beauty, but not ideal for hikes due to slippery trails

How to Reach Munnar

By Air

Munnar has no airport, but the closest hubs make travel easy:

• From Delhi: Fly to Cochin International Airport (3 hrs, ₹4,000–₹7,000). From Kochi:
  • Taxi: ₹2,500–₹4,000 (3–4 hrs)
  • Bus: ₹200–₹400 (4–5 hrs)
• From Mumbai: Direct flights to Kochi (2 hrs, ₹3,500–₹6,000)
• From Kolkata: Via Delhi/Chennai to Kochi (4–6 hrs, ₹6,000–₹10,000)
• From Bangalore: Direct to Kochi (1 hr, ₹2,500–₹5,000) or Madurai
  Pro Tip: Book taxis via Kerala Taxi Services or Savaari. Kochi has more frequent flights than Madurai.

By Train

No direct train to Munnar, but nearby stations are well-connected.

• Ernakulam Junction (Kochi) and Aluva are the closest major stations.
• From Delhi: Kerala Express or Mangala Lakshadweep (46–50 hrs)
• From Mumbai: Kanyakumari or Netravati Express (24–28 hrs)
• From Kolkata: Howrah-Trivandrum Express (40–44 hrs)
• From Bangalore: Kanyakumari Express (10–12 hrs)

From these stations:

• Taxi: ₹2,500–₹4,000
• Bus: ₹200–₹400

By Road

• From Kochi (110 km): 3–4 hrs via NH85
• From Madurai (165 km): 4–5 hrs
• From Bangalore (480 km): 9–11 hrs via NH44
• From Mumbai/Kolkata/Delhi: Best to take a flight/train first

Pro Tip: Avoid night drives in the hills. Book KSRTC Volvo buses or pre-paid cabs for comfort.

Where to Stay in Munnar

Munnar offers options for all budgets—luxury resorts, cozy cottages, and backpacker hostels:

• The Leaf Munnar (₹5,000–₹8,000): Luxury stay with hill views & spa
• Tea County KTDC (₹3,000–₹6,000): Govt-run, centrally located
• Munnar Castle (₹2,000–₹4,000): Budget-friendly
• Windermere Estate (₹6,000–₹10,000): Tea estate vibes
• Zostel Munnar (₹1,000–₹2,500): Perfect for solo travelers

Booking Tip: Use Booking.com or MakeMyTrip for deals. Choose valley-view rooms and check for inclusions like free breakfast or plantation walks.

Top Places to Visit in and Around Munnar

• Pothamedu View Point: Stunning sunrises & panoramic tea estate views
• Attukal Waterfalls: A misty picnic favorite
• Eravikulam National Park: Wildlife, trekking, and Anamudi peak
• Kundala Lake: Pedal boating amid cherry blossoms
• Tea Museum: Explore the journey from leaf to cup
• Top Station: 40 km away, but worth it for breathtaking valley views

Munnar’s Cuisine: A Flavourful Taste of Kerala

Munnar doesn’t just charm you with its landscapes—it also delights your taste buds with rich, soulful South Indian flavours. The local cuisine in Munnar is a blend of Kerala’s traditional spices, fresh vegetables, coconut-based gravies, and home-style cooking that reflects the region’s culture and warmth.

What to Eat in Munnar

• Appam with Stew: A soft, lacey rice pancake served with a fragrant vegetable or chicken stew cooked in coconut milk. Light, comforting, and a local favorite.
• Kerala Sadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with over 10 items like sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, papadam, and payasam (sweet dessert).
• Malabar Parotta with Chicken Curry: Flaky, layered flatbread paired with spicy chicken or beef curry—perfect for spice lovers.
• Nadan Kozhi Curry: Traditional Kerala-style chicken curry cooked with fresh ground spices and coconut. Rich and flavorful.
• Puttu and Kadala Curry: A steamed rice cake paired with spicy black chickpeas—a classic breakfast dish in Kerala.
• Homemade Chocolates & Cardamom Tea: Munnar’s cool weather and spice plantations make for perfect tea and chocolate tasting. Don’t miss a hot cup of masala chai infused with locally grown cardamom.

Where to Eat in Munnar

• Saravana Bhavan: Authentic vegetarian meals and Kerala Sadya served the traditional way.
• Rapsy Restaurant: A favorite among tourists for affordable Kerala dishes and good vibes.
• Hotel Gurubhavan: Known for Malabar Parotta and Nadan-style chicken curries.
• Tea County Restaurant: Offers both local and continental dishes with lovely views.

Pro Tip:
Always try a cup of fresh cardamom tea or ginger-infused black tea while sitting by a tea garden. It’s the perfect way to taste Munnar’s essence in every sip.

Final Travel Tips for Munnar

• Carry warm clothes, especially during winter months.
• Pack comfortable shoes for tea garden walks and treks.
• Mobile signal can be weak in some areas—download maps offline.
• Try local Kerala dishes like appam, stew, and Malabar biryani at restaurants like Saravana Bhavan or Rapsy.

Conclusion
Munnar is not just a place—it’s a feeling. Whether you're hiking, honeymooning, or simply sipping chai with a view, it offers an unforgettable mix of peace and wonder. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and let Kerala’s misty magic take over.